Japan Buying Trips

Japan Buying Trip Information: 

Kevin Pham, owner of Genki Nishikigoi, Inc. has traveled to Hiroshima and Niigata prefecture Japan 4-5 times annually since 1995 to purchase koi fish, Nishikigoi.  "I have trekked these Niigata mountains for over 15 years visiting nearly every koi breeder in existence". 

We guide dealers and hobbyists to search and purchase the finest quality koi from world-renown breeders as well as exclusive breeders deep in the mountains. Here they have an opportunity to view thousands of the finest koi from various breeders for their personal collection. We also guide clients to Hiroshima as well.

Experience the mystique of koi through mountains, meet the master breeders, see the world’s best bred koi, and learn more about the beloved Japanese koi culture.

Koi Buying Trips Schedule: 

We guide a group of no more than 5 people for the period of our trip which may range from 6 to 10 days depending on our visit plan to either Niigata, Hiroshima, or both places.

• 1st trip for tosai February to late March 
• 2nd trip for tosai and jumbo tosai April to late May 
• 3rd trip for nisai and adult koi mid October to early Novermber 
• 4th trip for nisai and mature koi mid November to early December 

Itinerary: 

Each group's flight will leave SFO (or other departure cities).  We usually depart on Monday, arrive at Haneda or Narita airport on Tuesday evening. Koi shopping will take place from Wednesday until the end of our trip. We will devote 100% of our time to search and purchase koi although we can do some sight seeing along the way or schedule to see an ikeage if time permits. 

Estimated Charges Per Person: 

• Airfare - $1200.00 - $1500.00 for direct flight, round trip tickets.  We book our ticket directly with airline company (ANA or Japan airline) so you can book your own ticket once we set dates.  Note, a round trip fare is needed to visit Hiroshima, around $250.
• Express rail pass - around $150.00 (from airport to Tokyo station) 
• East JR rail pass - around $220.00 (from Tokyo station to Nagaoka station) 
• Hotel - usually $80.00 - $110.00 per night per person (breakfast included) 
• Transportation for Koi purchasing - $30.00 per day 
• Food costs depend on your meals. Everyone pays for their own food.

Koi purchased in Japan are subject to a 20% commission. The service covers our guide, koi import, quarantine and re-ship. Once a koi is purchased in Japan, it belongs to you, we will care for them to the best of our ability. All shipping costs of koi from Japan to San Francisco (SFO to final destination) is the responsibility of the buyer. The average cost is $300.00 per box from Japan to SFO and $115 from SJC to your destination airport. You will only pay shipping for the Koi that you buy, so if there are 4 koi in a shared box of which 1 is yours, you only have to pay 1/4th of the shipping cost.

Koi Buying Trip Galleries: 

Below are the photos and video clips of our Annual Buying Trips to Niigata and Hiroshima Japan, click and Enjoy!